We were lucky to catch up with Gustavo Rattia recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Gustavo, thanks for joining us today. Are you able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen?

Yes, I have indeed been able to earn a full-time living from my creative work. The journey, as with anything worth pursuing, wasn’t a linear path. It was filled with immense learning experiences, unexpected hurdles, and fulfilling victories.

My interest in creative arts started early. The time I spent involved in artistic productions for theater and music nurtured my love for visual storytelling. But the shift from passion to profession happened after my graduation in System Engineering. I pursued photography and cinematography professionally, and each project, whether big or small, helped me grow both as an artist and an entrepreneur.

Founding Oceano Blue LLC was the major turning point in my journey. It was a leap of faith backed by years of experience and a clear vision of what I wanted to offer. The company was built on the principle of delivering high-quality content and compelling storytelling, and over the years, it has grown into a reputable media production and photography company, servicing local and national businesses and organizations.

Was it like this from day one? Absolutely not. It took time to build our brand and reputation. We faced challenges, made mistakes, and learned from them. But the crucial thing was perseverance, continually improving our craft, and exceeding our client’s expectations.

In hindsight, could the process have been sped up? Perhaps. But every step in my journey, every delay, every setback, has contributed to the person and professional I am today. If there’s one thing I’d probably do differently, it would be to start investing more in networking and marketing early on. Building strong relationships and increasing visibility are crucial in our line of work, and the sooner you start, the better it is.

However, I firmly believe that there’s no definitive timeline for success. What’s important is to stay committed to your craft, continuously learn, adapt, and above all, enjoy the process. Each person’s journey is unique, and every step you take brings you closer to where you want to be. So, no matter where you are in your journey, keep going, keep creating, and keep inspiring.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m Gustavo, an artist who has spent a significant portion of his life in the pursuit of creative excellence. My journey began in the world of theater and music, participating in various plays and global choir competitions. These experiences cultivated a deep-seated appreciation for visual storytelling in me. Even though I graduated with a degree in System Engineering, my heart always gravitated towards the arts.

Photography and filmmaking have always been more than professions to me. They are forms of expression, ways to capture and narrate the world’s beauty and complexity through lenses. I pursued these fields professionally right after college, which allowed me to immerse myself in various roles and projects. This time was essential to shaping my craft and industry understanding.

Oceano Blue LLC, my brainchild, is a media production and photography company based in Bluffton, South Carolina. We offer an array of creative services, from commercial video production, event videography, to professional photography. Our mission is to tell compelling stories through visual media and assist businesses and individuals in achieving their marketing and branding goals. Last year, we launched Oceano TV which is a local digital tv platform to connect local activities and information with the hispanic community in the Lowcountry and the coastal empire.

We work closely with our clients to understand their vision, translating it into powerful visual narratives that strike a chord with their target audience. We believe in the power of story and emotion to connect and engage, so our approach always emphasizes authenticity and creativity.

What sets us apart is our commitment to quality and unique aesthetic sensibility. We understand that every story is different, so we tailor our approach to each project, ensuring the output is not only visually appealing but also resonates with the intended audience.

One of the accomplishments I am most proud of is creating a reputable company from scratch. Oceano Blue LLC, which started as a small initiative, has now become a recognized brand servicing local and national businesses. The growth we’ve achieved is a testament to the quality of our work and our team’s dedication.

However, what truly fills me with pride is when our work helps a client connect with their audience, achieve their goals, or capture a cherished moment. Knowing that our craft can touch lives and make a difference is an incredible feeling.

What I’d like potential clients and followers to know about our brand is that we pour our hearts into our work. We are committed to delivering high-quality content that tells your story, your way. Your goals become our goals, and we’ll strive to exceed your expectations.

As an artist, my journey has been about continually learning, evolving, and pushing boundaries. Rest assured, when you choose Oceano Blue LLC or Oceano TV you’re choosing a team that’s passionate, dedicated, and genuinely invested in bringing your vision to life.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

The COVID-19 pandemic was a momentous challenge that forced us, like many others, to rapidly adapt to unprecedented circumstances. As social distancing measures were implemented, many of our traditional means of operation and client engagement had to be reassessed.

As a company dedicated to visual storytelling and communication, we knew we had to quickly pivot to continue delivering our services effectively. We began to place greater emphasis on digital platforms and embarked on a journey of transforming our business model to embrace new forms of communication.

Recognizing the increased significance of online presence for businesses during this time, we expanded our offerings to include digital content creation specifically tailored for social media. We developed comprehensive packages for clients, providing them with high-quality, engaging content that would allow them to connect with their audiences effectively, even in a predominantly virtual landscape.

In addition, we began to offer webinars and online workshops, sharing our expertise in video production, photography, and branding. These webinars not only helped businesses and individuals looking to improve their visual content, but also allowed us to stay connected with our clients and community during a time of physical isolation.

Furthermore, we had to find innovative ways to conduct our video production and photography projects while adhering to social distancing measures. We leveraged technologies such as drones for filming, virtual meetings for pre-production discussions, and implemented stringent health and safety protocols for on-site shoots.

These changes were challenging to implement, but they also opened up new opportunities for us. We reached clients we might not have otherwise, and our digital content creation services have become one of our most sought-after offerings. We even had to film and do live streaming for some weddings where guests weren’t able to attend due to travel restrictions.

Looking back, I am proud of how we responded to the crisis. Not only did we survive a difficult period, but we also evolved, discovered new avenues for growth, and found ways to provide value to our clients in a drastically altered landscape. The pandemic taught us that adaptability is key to resilience. As we move forward, we continue to innovate, ready to meet future changes head-on.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist and a creative is the ability to touch people’s lives through my work. There’s a profound satisfaction in knowing that something you’ve created can evoke emotions, provoke thoughts, and even inspire action in others. It’s a powerful and deeply humbling experience.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.oceanoblue.net
• Instagram: Instagram.com/gustavorattia
• Facebook: Facebook.com/oceanobluemedia
• Linkedin: linkedin.com/gustavorattia
• Youtube: www.youtube.com/oceanotvweb